Nick Altenberg

The wharf was bustling with people just hours after reopening Saturday. The nearly half-mile pier is important for the local economy and beloved by locals. The section that broke off was in the middle of repairs stemming from damage caused by last winter's storms.

The wharf was bustling with people just hours after reopening Saturday. The nearly half-mile pier is important for the local economy and beloved by locals. The section that broke off was in the middle of repairs stemming from damage caused by last winter's storms.

Norm Daly is one of three workers who were inspecting the repair work when nearly 20-foot waves picked up the end of the pier and tore it off. He says the effects of climate change present a challenge for the city.

Norm Daly is one of three workers who were inspecting the repair work when nearly 20-foot waves picked up the end of the pier and tore it off. He says the effects of climate change present a challenge for the city.

City leaders say the wharf may need to be reimagined with climate change top of mind. For NPR News, I'm Nick Altenberg in Santa Cruz, California.

City leaders say the wharf may need to be reimagined with climate change top of mind. For NPR News, I'm Nick Altenberg in Santa Cruz, California.